Dutch Family Victorious in Parental Rights CaseNovember 21, 2011: The Weijman family in Amsterdam, Netherlands won a victory when a Dutch judge rejected a request by social services to restrict the family’s parental rights simply for their choice to homeschool.

Homeschool Leader InterviewsNovember 16, 2011: Hear about the current homeschool situations in a number of European countries, recorded at a recent European conference.

Update on Homeschooling in the NetherlandsHomeschooling was recently targeted by the Ministry of Education, but a quick response by Dutch homeschoolers and homeschoolers around the world accomplished an important victory.

Home Education Threatened in the NetherlandsIn order for a family to homeschool in the Netherlands, the family must get an exemption from school registration for deeply held religious or philosophical reasons. This exemption is very difficult to achieve and is not available once a child begins attending public school.

Compulsory Attendance Law:From the 5th birthday until age 16. Part-time attendance allowed for 16 to 18 year olds (an approved combination of study and employment).

Legal Status: Homeschooling is not technically recognized by Dutch law. The Compulsory Education Act, Article 2, paragraph 1, states that school attendance is mandatory. However, many are able to obtain a religious exemption to compulsory education.

Country needs: 1) Recognition of homeschooling as a valid form of education